Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update, June 19, 2014Despite high water in lakes and rivers throughout the state, anglers are reporting great fishing action. Summer fishing patterns are developing as water temperatures approach 70 degrees; for this weekend, spring and summer techniques should both produce fish. Anglers expect fishing to be very good for multiple species this weekend.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2014/2015 Fishing Season for most inland waters are as follows: walleyes, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 10; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 24; muskie, June 7. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers--consult the Minnesota DNR Fishing Basics web page for the most current information.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rising waters on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River have made it more difficult for anglers to get out, but those that do are being rewarded with a fairly good walleye and crappie bite. Many people are casting minnows from shore into about 12 feet of water and catching nice walleyes. The crappies are hanging in areas closer to the weed beds. Boating to the mouth of the Rat Root River will bring you to the best concentrations of crappies. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Last week and weekend brought lots of rain and wind, however, anglers still reported lots of fish. The shallow water remained a good choice for walleye anglers using minnows, leeches and crankbaits in 6-12 feet of water. If the shallow bite slowed, anglers had success in depths of 18-28 feet when using a slip sinker rig with a minnow or leech. While the fishing has been great for numerous species and sizes, the dock situation has been tough since many are underwater due to high water conditions. Resort owners are busy heightening their docks or building something temporary to aid the guests and boaters. Lots of current has delayed or halted the typical mayfly hatch, and fish are most likely to be caught in the shallow waters. Water temperatures are in the 70s, which is close to normal; look for nightcrawlers to turn greater numbers of fish over the next couple of weeks. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comTower -Lake Vermilion
The walleye bite on Lake Vermilion has been very good despite the wind and rain that hit the area hard recently. Lindy rigs, slip bobbers, and jigs have all been turning fish. Leeches seem to be best on the slip bobbers and jigs, and the bait rigs have produced best with a leech or half a crawler. Trolling crankbaits in a few of the shallow bays during evening hours has also been productive. Overall, the shallow bays with a sand bottom and mid-bay rock piles have been the best locations this week. The bass and northern pike bite has also been good for many anglers. 800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
As water temperatures continue to rise, so does the walleye action! Many anglers are starting to have more success using leeches and crawlers as opposed to minnows. While jig and minnow fishing continues to be productive, leeches and crawlers are much easier, especially for back country adventures. Many fish are still cruising the shorelines, but a good number of active feeders are scattered throughout the water column. This is a good time to begin slowly trolling crankbaits over the reef edges. Northern pike have become more aggressive and will readily strike spoons and spinnerbaits worked along the weed edges and off the rocky points adjacent to deeper water. A sucker suspended under a bobber can also be very attractive to these fish. Lake trout continue to be taken from relatively shallow waters, with 15-25 feet most mentioned. Trolled crankbaits account for a good number of lakers, and larger spoons in green and silver are also producing some fish. Please remember that the water is extremely clear, and bait should be kept well behind the boat; use a side planer is necessary to avoid spooking the fish. Bass and most panfish are beginning their spawning ritual and will readily attack bait placed near their spawning beds. The beds appear as depressions on the bottom that are a bit different color than surrounding areas. Male fish are on the beds, but the heavier egg-laden females are holding somewhat deeper. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgGrand Rapids
The weather has been tough this past week. Higher water levels have caused the walleyes to move to numerous structures, making it hard to determine a definite pattern. Some walleyes remain in the shallows, and some are migrating to deeper structure. A jig and shiner will produce in both the shallow and deep waters; leeches and crawlers on slip sinker rigs are best at the deep structure. Bass fishing has been spotty due to high water conditions, but this should improve very soon. 800-335-9740;
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Despite high water, anglers seem to be filling their buckets faster! Jigging is still the best method for trophy walleyes and eating-size fish. Some of the better locations include Twin Islands, Zippel Bay, Morris Point, and the Lighthouse Gap, with jigs and frozen shiners producing best, especially in 18-20 or 22-26 feet of water. Anglers also report success when jigging in depths of 20-26 feet up near the Garden, West Bar, Knight and Bridges. There have also been good reports of drifting with crawler or leech harnesses in front of Long Point, Twin Islands, Graceton, the Gap, and Pine Island, with 8-10 or 6-17 foot depths giving up the most fish. In the Rainy River, anglers report lots of walleyes coming from 15-18 feet of water on brightly colored jigs tipped with a frozen shiner; heavy jigs are best due to the strong current. Up at the Northwest Angle, good numbers of walleyes, northern pike and bass are being reported. For the most fish, try the west side of Little Oak, the Lake Trails area off of Oak Island, and the rock structure around Brush Island. Jigging, pulling spinners, and trolling crankbaits are all working well in 8-30 feet of water. Gold and pink have been the best colors. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Surface water temperatures are holding steady in the mid to upper 60s in the Bemidji area. Summer fishing patterns develop after the lakes exceed 70 degrees, so the patterns are stuck between spring and summer. Anglers are still having success using jigs and minnows for walleyes in the shallows, but it has become harder to get a jig through the developing weed beds without tearing off the minnow. Many anglers have switched to live bait rigs for walleyes, tipped with either leeches or night crawlers. Upper Red Lake is still the hottest lake in the area for walleyes, with anglers fishing the shoreline breaks in 5-7 feet of water. The slot limit increased to 20- to 26-inches on June 15, 2014, so anglers can now keep up to four walleyes under 20-inches, with one over 26-inches allowed in the limit. The insect hatches out of the lakes are increasing, with huge clouds of emerging insects visible on anglers’ electronics. Any calm, sunny days, and most warm nights should have bug hatches occurring for at least the next couple of weeks. Anglers are also finding walleyes working their way out to mid-lake structures, with walleyes feeding on the sides of structure in 12-16 feet of water in many areas. The deeper the walleyes are located, the better they show up on electronics, so anglers should watch their sonar for fish and concentrate their efforts where they are seeing the most baitfish and larger fish. Most lakes have high water levels due to excessive amounts of rain in June. Anglers should watch out for floating debris and increased current in some areas on the lakes. Most guides have openings in their schedules, so it is a perfect time for anglers to make a trip north to fish the Bemidji area. 877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
Fishing has slowed due to the rainy weather, and fewer anglers heading out on Cass Lake. Water temperatures are mostly in the upper 60s. Anglers continue to well using jig and shiner combinations, but crawlers and leeches are turning more and more fish. 800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
The walleye bite has changed somewhat on Lake Winnibigoshish. Fish are being caught when rigging leeches and crawlers in the deeper waters off the humps and main lake bars, especially in depths of 14-23 feet of water. Cloudy, misty and rainy days have been best for walleye catches. Trolling small crankbaits over the main lake bar tops has been somewhat productive on the calmer, sunny days when moving at 1.8- to 3-mph. The weedline fish seem to be there one day and not the next, still, it is worth the time to do a quick check since they are active once found. Try ripping jigs and shiners through the weeds once you find them. Lots of northern pike are being taken by walleye anglers. For the most trophy-size fish, however, use larger crankbaits. Sunfish remain active in most of the smaller area lakes, along with Cutfoot Sioux, Sugar, and Little Cutfoot. Perch have been active off the main lake shore drops in 10-15 feet of water. Jigs and fatheads are turning the most perch. Water levels are up almost 10 inches in some lakes; keep this mind when choosing locations.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
The walleye bite remains strong on Leech Lake despite fluctuating water levels and temperatures. Anglers have needed to adjust their presentations, however, due to pesky midge flies and rainstorms. It seems like the fish have moved to a summer-like pattern. Many anglers continue to catch walleye using jigs tipped with a minnow. Use a 1/8-ounce green or chartreuse jig, and if windy, switch to a 1/4-ounce jig. Lindy rigs with a red hook are producing more fish, especially when paired with a leech or crawler. During the day, also try a slip bobber in the weeds; during evening hours, hit the sand flats using leeches. Daytime fishing has improved on Leech Lake at the wind-blown shorelines, points, rocks and sand flats. The key is to keep moving. Another productive method has been pulling shad raps or rapalas during early evening and late evening hours. The West Goose Island Flats on to the Grand Vu Flats have been great. Depending on the wind, check the Hardwoods, Duck Point, Ottertail Point, and the Submarine Island Annex area. Evening fishing has been getting better at Walker Bay’s Cedar Point and Sand Point. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comDetroit Lakes
Water temperatures continue to hover around 70 degrees in Detroit Lakes' area lakes. Walleyes have been relating to the deep edges of the cabbage weeds. They have also have slid off the flats to the sharper breaks. When the wind blows, they return to feed on the edges of the flats. Some walleyes have transitioned to the edges of mid-lake structure. Jigs tipped with minnows or leeches, and live bait rigs with minnows, leeches or crawlers still turn the most walleyes. Expect the spinner and crankbait bite to heat up as water temperatures warm further. Bass have moved from the more vulnerable shallow water locations to safer weed, dock and tree cover areas. Pitching spinners or jigs has been productive, and dock fishing has really heated up for the largemouth. Northern pike continue to feed almost everywhere, hitting nearly everything! Look for the larger fish to be moving to the cooler, deeper waters, with the small fish lingering in the weeds. The muskie, however, are using the weed beds to feed, especially the well-developed cabbage weeds. High action baits burned over the flats near the weeds has been the best bet for muskie anglers. Panfish are active in the weeds. They will move to the inside edges on windy days, and to the outside edges in bright conditions. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Country
Walleyes are being pulled from depths of 10-20 feet on jigs tipped with minnows, leeches and shiners. Northern pike are slamming sucker minnows and spoons worked along the weedlines of 10-15 feet of water. Bass are responding best to leeches and minnows worked in depths of 5-7 feet. Look for sunnies and crappies in depths of 3-5 feet using nightcrawlers and crappie minnows. 800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comBrainerd Lakes Area
Most walleyes have moved out of the shallows and relocated to the second breakline on North Long Lake, however, the deeper water bite remains good. Pelican, Edwards and Whitefish lakes have been giving up a few fish, but not numbers typical of this time of year. The best walleye bait continues to be on shiner minnows, although this will change shortly. Bass action has been good, and this should continue to improve with rising water temperatures. Morning trips are leading to 30-40 fish in half a day, and afternoon trips have been slightly better. The best baits remain a jig and worm combination worked slowly in depths of 10 feet or less. Northern pike action has been fair, with the majority of the pike caught accidentally while fishing for walleyes. 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
The walleye have been scattered at various depths in Lake Mille Lacs, with fish found in water ranging from 4-34 feet! The "deep" fish have been mostly in 30+ foot depths, responding best to a pink or silver spinner rig. Speed has been critical, with 1.0 MPH being best. Add some serious weight to get the spinner rig down to where it needs to be. On the other end of the spectrum, a slip bobber and leech has been best in depths of 8 feet or less over the largest rocks. These walleyes tend to be the largest. Evening hours, and days with a good walleye chop have been best when fishing the shallow waters. Be sure to get the line away from the boat and keep the noise to a minimum. Somewhere in the middle of these depths is the mudflat bite which took place in roughly 24 feet of water. While the flats have been inconsistent, try a slip bobber and leech if you find a decent concentration of fish. If not, spinner-up and start your search. The Boot, Sherman's and Seguchie are good starting points. Bass remain active in 10 feet of water or less. Northern pike action is picking up, with suckers under bobbers turning the most fish. Surface water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Please remember that navigational lights must be turning on before sunset. Sunset for Friday, June 20, is 9:03 p.m. 888 -350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
The walleyes, panfish, crappies, northern pike and bass are biting throughout most area lakes. Anglers have been having lots of success off the docks and near the shallows. The crappies are moving to their normal summer locations. The best walleye reports are coming from 15-20 feet of water on Diamond, Eagle, Andrew and Florida lakes, and from 15-30 feet of water on Green Lake. Please note that the lakes and rivers are running high so please use caution. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro -Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of June 19, heavy rain had left the streams and rivers muddy and high. As updates on stream conditions become available, they are posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. You are also welcome to call the office for updates at 507-467-2442. Before traveling, please check out the new detailed fishing easement maps. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comAlbert Lea Area Lakes
Anglers are having lots of success on Fountain Lake. Northern pike, walleyes, crappies and catfish have been very active, especially in the channel, and at west Edgewater Bay. One boy was recently surprised when he pulled in a 37-inch northern pike on a piece of cheddar hot dog! 800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
The fishing remained strong all last week on Big Stone Lake. The nicer weather in the early part of the week made it very easy for anglers to cover the lake and put limits of walleye in the livewell. Many anglers continue to work the south end of the lake using spinners and crawlers. A few are switching over to pulling and casting crankbaits. Lots of large walleyes continue to come from the south end. One family ventured north to the Hartford Beach area one day and limited out on walleyes. Their largest fish was just 20-inches, with plenty of 14- to 16-inch walleyes. There were even a dozen perch to brag about. One set of anglers made it their goal to harvest some of Big Stone's famous perch, and did so in the Lagoona Beach area with slip bobbers. A variety of species continue to be caught including a bluegills, crappies, largemouth bass, northern pike, and even an occasional smallmouth. Big Stone's weeds are starting to show along the shoreline. Panfish anglers are doing well at the weeds using a slip bobber tipped with a leech or piece of nightcrawler. The bite is getting better and better as June marches on! 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
